A Happy-Go-Lucky Kangaroo Find Itself in a Fight with Stern Emus

Australia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and while some species coexist peacefully, others prefer to take a more physical approach. 

Of all the animals in the country, kangaroos have garnered a reputation for being the “brawlers of the outback.” Whether through local stories or countless movies, these animals have been depicted as spunky creatures that will pick a fight with anyone. 

In a recent video, this reputation was put to the test when a group of stern emus approached a happy-go-lucky kangaroo that was playing with a branch. Living up to its reputation, the kangaroo didn’t hesitate to hop up on its hind legs and defend the “toy” it was playing with. 

While this interaction seems to have been playful in nature, it does pose an interesting question:

What would happen in the wild if the two animals met?

In the following sections, we’ll dissect the video a little further, explore exactly how kangaroos fight, and discuss who would win an actual fight between the two animals. 

Why Did the Emus Attack the Kangaroo in the Video? 

“Attack” may be a strong word for what took place in the video. Throughout the clip, it seems that there was an understanding between the two animals, and there wasn’t any overly aggressive behavior. 

However, in the wild, this type of interaction would probably end differently. Emus are notorious for their territorial behavior and have a habit of fiercely defending their personal space and resources. If the kangaroo were to wander into their territory or get close to a nest, there would likely be a similar defensive response. 

How Do Kangaroos Fight? 

Thanks to their popularity in the entertainment industry, most people think kangaroos fight like traditional boxers do. Standing and throwing punches may seem like a cool defensive mechanism for animals, but it isn’t quite accurate. 

Instead, when kangaroos feel threatened, they typically use their most powerful weapons first — their hind legs. Their strong, muscular legs can deliver powerful kicks that are capable of sending smaller opponents flying. 

In addition to powerful kicks, kangaroos also have sharp claws that they use to swipe at predators or adversaries. 

Do Kangaroos Spar with Each Other?

Unlike their fights with predators, kangaroos tend to have a more organized approach to fighting with each other. In fact, most researchers define the battles as sparring matches in which the goal isn’t to harm each other but to show their strength and endurance. 

During these matches, sparring kangaroos will stand upright on their hind legs and begin boxing with each other by using their powerful front paws to push, shove, and slap their opponent. 

Even though these displays may look aggressive, the sparring match is actually very controlled, and few kangaroos get severely injured. 

How Big Are Kangaroos Compared to Emus? 

While kangaroos and emus are impressive in size, their physical structures are different and provide unique advantages for both animals. Here’s a comparison of the two animals:

Kangaroo Vs. Emu: Strengths and Weaknesses

In a direct confrontation, the kangaroo’s strength and powerful hind legs give it an advantage in delivering powerful kicks. However, the emu’s speed and sharp talons provide a unique counter.

Emus are capable of running at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, which would help them initially evade the kangaroo’s strikes. The emu also has strong legs and better endurance, which could help in a prolonged encounter. 

Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Kangaroo and an Emu? 

In a fight between a kangaroo and an emu, there might not be a clear-cut winner. Instead, the victor would be decided by several factors, one of the most significant being the environment in which they find themselves. 

If the battle takes place in close combat, the kangaroo’s size and strength would give it the edge over the emu and allow it to land powerful kicks. However, if the emu has room to run, its speed and agility could pose a problem for the kangaroo.

Ultimately, the winner would be decided by a lot of “what if” scenarios and maybe a bit of luck. But one thing is clear from the analysis — both animals are more than capable of defending themselves.